The Lincoln Presidential Half Marathon, held on Saturday morning, April 2, will feature several new events and exhibits this year that will allow runners, spectators and area residents to further immerse themselves in Lincoln history. The Looking for Lincoln Heritage Coalition, Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, and the National Park Service (NPS) have joined together to bring more interpreters dressed in 1800s apparel to Springfield to cheer on runners who will start and finish at the Old State Capitol and pass the Lincoln Law Office, Lincoln Home Site, and Lincoln Tomb during the 13.1 mile race. The two organization will host a “reviewing party” consisting of volunteers in period costumes in front of the Lincoln Home between 7:30 a.m. and 8:00 a.m.; activities for children at the Lincoln Home Site from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.; and exhibits from the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area on the north lawn of the Old State Capitol from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. All events are open to the public and not limited to participants of the half marathon.
The NPS, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, will host several activities for families with children at the Lincoln Home site starting at 8:00 a.m. Race spectators and residents with younger kids can stop by the lot across the street from the Lincoln Home and experience the types of games and toys that the Lincoln boys enjoyed, including graces, dancing bears and the cup and ball. Park rangers will have several activities, such as making haversacks. Children who participate can complete Junior Ranger activities and earn a Lincoln Home Centennial Junior Ranger badge. Streets around the Lincoln Home Site will be clear of runners starting at about 8:15 a.m.
The north lawn of the Old State Capitol serves as the finish line area of the race and new this year are interactive exhibits from several national heritage sites. There will be 1840’s reenactors, demonstrations and children’s games. Residents interested in visiting the Old State Capitol should plan to park a couple of blocks from the site as 5th Street between Jefferson and Adams will be closed until 11 a.m.
